Ketamine

Question 1

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Class

Answer 1

Ultra-Short-acting nonbarbiturate hypnotic agent (dissociative anesthetic)

Question 2

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Mechanism of Action

Answer 2

It interrupts the pathways within the cortex and limbic system, prompting the release of endogenous catecholamines.

Question 3

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Indications

Answer 3

Anesthetic agent, airway maintenance, chemical restraint

Question 4

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Contraindications

Answer 4

Infants younger than 3 months and patients with established

psychosis

Question 5

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Adverse Reactions

Answer 5

Hallucinations, HTN, increased ICP, tremors.

Question 6

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Drug Interactions

Answer 6

Incompatible with diazepam and barbiturates.

Question 7

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Adult Dosage

Answer 7

Optimal dose is 1.5 mg/kg IV. 4-5 mg/kg IM

Question 8

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Pediatric Dosage

Answer 8

0.5 – 3.0 mg IV/IM

Question 9

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Onset

Answer 9

IV 60- 90 seconds; IM 1-2 minutes

Question 10

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Duration

Answer 10

10-15minutes IV-IO, 15-20 IM

Question 11

Ketamine (Ketalar)

Special Considerations

Answer 11

Consider premedication with benzodiazepines to prevent emergence reactions. Ketamine may be the preferred induction agent in a patient with respiratory failure.